At the Masséna hotel, in downtown Nice, only one customer went down to the lobby to use the wifi. The other armchairs remain desperately empty. “Usually the staff are in disguise, there is joy and confetti everywhere, regrets its executive director, Laurent Rossi. It’s 95% of the establishment which should have been occupied during the carnival. This year, we only reach 25% reservation of the 110 rooms. “ To regain its 70% of foreign customers, Laurent Rossi is prepared to adopt the health passport. “You have to play on confidence. If the government puts it in place, we’re ready, he asserts. We’ve been taking hits for a year and adapting. If we have to go through that to reassure the customer, we will be there. ”
“We must stop the infantilization of people”
On the Côte d’Azur, tourism represents 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) – against 7% nationally. Each year, of its 11 million tourists, 53% are foreigners. “Today, all is hope, says Denis Cippolini, president of the Niçoise hotel federation. We want the world to move, circulate, advance. The health passport will be an additional commercial argument. ” An argument that could also work against the region. If France does not adopt it, holidaymakers could opt for other Mediterranean destinations, Greece having already taken a step towards this device.
This does not scare Stéphanie Cornil, tour guide, who would prefer “Simpler things” : “The health passport is too complex an administrative system, she believes. It is easier to put on the mask and use portable microphones. ” Cyril Lopez, head of a travel agency, agrees: “We must stop the infantilization of people. The problem is that, now, to sell an activity, it will always take more paperwork and administration. “
Temperature measurements and barrier gestures
Cruises professionals already ask a lot for papers when entering boats: identity cards, passports or medical questionnaires for the 600,000 cruise passengers who embark and disembark each year between Nice and Cannes. “The vaccination passport would be welcome, says Michel Chevillon, president of the French Riviera Cruise Club, managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). But this will not prevent additional tests, temperature measurements, barrier gestures, new air conditioning systems, cleaning and isolation areas. The shipowners are already well prepared in theory. ” Norwegian Cruise Line will set sail on April 30. Staff and travelers will need to be vaccinated to get on board.
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